Teemu Pukki lifts lid on troubled Celtic stint ahead of return to Scotland
· Scott Burns · 2026-08-07 · nguồn gốc
Teemu Pukki lifts lid on troubled Celtic stint but insists he has 'nothing to prove' on return to Scotland
The veteran striker is still going with HJK and is looking to see off Motherwell in the Conference League next week.
HJK talisman Teemu Pukki has insisted he will return to Scotland with nothing to prove.
Finland’s record international scorer netted his side's priceless equaliser at home against Motherwell.
The striker didn’t have the best of times at Celtic, but admitted it probably came too soon in his career.
He will head to Fir Park next Thursday more interested in trying to help HJK through to the play-off round of the Conference League than making any personal points.
Pukki, who was at Parkhead for two years from 2013, admitted: “I still enjoyed my time over there. Obviously, it didn't go as well as I hoped.
“I think it was a wrong time. I was too young and shy at the time.
“It was a huge club and the pressure over there was maybe a bit too much for me.
“I think if I would have made the move later on in my career, it would have been a different story but there are no regrets.
“It still helped me to do whatever I did after that time in my career.
“I’m not going there to prove anything to anyone.
“I’m trying to help the team to go through from this leg. It will be nice to be back in Scotland.”
The 36-year-old moved to Brøndby on loan before moving there permanently. He returned to make his name in British football after a successful spell with Norwich City.
Pukki acknowledged: “I think I was for sure more ready when I came back to England because of what happened or how my time in Celtic went.
“So yes, I think every—I wouldn't say step down - but the things when they don't go your way, it helps. “At least it helped me in the future or later on in my career.”
Pukki is now in the twilight of his goal-filled career, but he showed when he came off the bench and equalised against the Steelmen that he can still be a game-changer.
The former Norwich City player claimed: “Yes, obviously really pleased.
“I was really pleased to help the team when we were down 1-0.
“European games are special. I’m happy to score whenever, but to help the team come back to 1-1 and now it's all open for the second leg.
“Hopefully, we can perform even better there. I think that's needed next week if we want to go through.”
The Finn has returned home to see out his career and that is important to him at this stage in his career.
He added: “Obviously, being back home is nice.
“I had quite a long journey abroad, so being back home is nice.
“I’m trying to enjoy it.
“I know there's not much time left anymore, so I try to enjoy it as much as I can.”